I love the Disney animated Cinderella. It's my favorite Disney movie. Gus-gus is hilarious. The step mother looks like my grandma. Cinderella always has the other glass slipper, and ends up with Prince Eric.
When I saw that there was a real live Cinderella coming out in March, I was thrilled. Especially as the previews showed it was following the animated movie script fairly closely.
That was a key point for me. I mean, my second favorite Disney animated film is Sleeping Beauty. I greatly disliked Maleficent. I greatly dislike when remakes go all post-modern and green and issue-laden.
Greatly dislike.
Mr. Hippie and I took the girls to see Cinderella opening weekend. The boys were not a bit interested. Go figure. Humph. Their loss.
Because it was amazing!
I loved it.
It brought out all those romantic feelings. The sighs over him pushing her on the swing. The slipping of the glass slipper on her foot despite all the obstacles. The first dance.
Be still my swooning heart.
The actors/actresses were superb! Lily James as Cinderella. Helena Bonham Carter as the Fairy Godmother. Mr. Hippie thought she would have played a great stepmother. But, the hair! It lends itself to the fruity fairy godmother. So perfect. Helena Bonham Carter is an actress. She did the crazy witch in Harry Potter. But she also player Queen Elizabeth (the queen mother) in The King's Speech. I really admire her acting abilities. And Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine. Ice-cold. Fantastic! And also, Richard Madden as Kit, the prince. Well, let's just say, the casting director done good.
I also really dug the scenery. The palace and it's gardens. The chalet. It was all gorgeous. Very well done!
I half-expected to hear the old tunes interwoven throughout, but for the most part they weren't. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes was sung by Lily James, and Helena Bonham Carter sang a great rendition of Bippity-boppity-boo. So was mostly new music and was a great musical score. Sonna Rele sings the closing credit piece, Strong.
What I really liked was Cinderella herself. She was beautiful, AND she was smart, gracious, kind, bold, and brave. She did take the low place, but she also stood up for herself. I just really appreciated that. And she had some great one-liners, that shaped her behavior...
Just because it's what's done, doesn't mean it's what should be done.
Have courage and be kind.
It was absolutely a feel good movie. But even more than that- good triumphed.
I hope you take some time to watch Cinderella. I think you will enjoy it.
Well, what are you waiting for?
